t of, her grief was inexpressible.

Her father observed her emotion. "Alida, my dear child," said he, "do
not be alarmed, as I appear much worse than I am in reality at present;"
but she had drawn these words from the physician that morning, that his
malady had increased greatly since the day before. Perceiving a visible
change in his appearance, she scarcely left the room of her father till
a late hour, when he, perceiving her almost fainting with fatigue,
requested her to retire to rest. Albert supplied the place of his
sister, and remained with his father, while the affectionate care of his
only surviving son was grateful to the bosom of a fond parent.

The slumbers of Alida were broken, and fearing to leave her father too
long, she arose very early next morning to attend him. He was evidently
much worse next day, which was Sunday, and intimated that he wished all
the family sent for. He then requested Alida to read some passages in
the bible, as was his daily custom.

"'Leave thy fatherless children to me and I will be their father,' what
words of consolation are these," said he, "what transport do they convey
to the heart of a parent, burthened with anxiety. Yes, divine Disposer,"
he exclaimed, "I will, with grateful joy, commit my children to thy kind
care and protection."

When the physician made his morning visit, as he was going to take
leave, Alida asked his opinion. He shook his head, and seemed to give no
hopes of recovery.

Her father requested her to be seated by the bedside. "My child," said
he, "I wish to discourse a little with you. And could I again see
Theodore, how gladly would I now receive him. I have deeply injured
him," said he, "and my child too; and have inflicted a wound still
deeper in my own bosom. I have often considered his piety and worth. His
moral character was all that it should be. Superfluous wealth is not
necessary to ensure earthly felicity, but a competency and contentment
therewith, is all that is necessary to happiness."

"Do not renew your sorrows, dear father," said Alida, "what is past is
beyond recall. Let us confide in a just over-ruling Providence, that
disposes all material events for the wisest purposes." Her tears flowed
in abundance, as her looks rested upon the visage of her father, and
deep distress was depicted in her countenance.

"My dear child," said her father, "weep not for me, think that rest must
now be acceptable to the weary traveller, whose hopes ar